Customer Reviews

Necessity Is...: The Early Years of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention

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Poorly written by a person who obviously has NO IDEA of what Frank Zappa is all about. Although he makes note of the fact that FZ got annoyed that people didn't understand what he was trying to say, Billy James is EXACTLY such a person. The important elements in the works of Zappa are brought down to such things as "weird" "wacky" "freakish" "zany" "snoring", and every ensemble he formed after the original MOI put down because these terms didn't apply too much anymore. Although James frequently praises FZ for being a talented musician, a genius or whatever, these remarks are never explained with ANYTHING that resembles any understanding of WHY this is the case. These remarks merely seem to be there so that the more educated reader will understand James Knows His Thing. (Which he doesn't) The book is a collection of anecdotes told by some of the more frustrated ex Mothers Of Invention who, instead of understanding that without FZ they are just not interesting enough, have decided to spend their lives being bitter about the fact that for some reason Frank got all the fame and they didn't. Thus they emplify their own importance in the old band and in Zappa's euvre. Nothing new is told, the only difference is thatthey have never had such an extensive platform to broadcast their remarks.

A book about the early history of the carreer of one of the most important composers of the 20th century that ends with: "what is certain is that Bunk, Don, Jimmy, Motorhead, Ian, Art, Buzz, Ray and Roy have been entertaining people for over a quarter of a century - wheather is be with vegetables, trnsformations, improvisations, snorks or athmatic wheezing. One thing is for sure, we will never forget our Mothers!" is just too childish, superfluous and plainly stupid to even bother to talk about it anymore.

Don't waste your money.

This is mainly a collection of interviews, jokes, road stories, and tall tales from the early Mothers. While the veracity of these tales is rather dubious at times, the book holds true in its claim that the early Mothers members certainly were a band apart(no pun intended), and there was(is?) a certain kinship and musical bond between them that was unique, and had a big role in helping to shape Zappa's early albums. But, given the fact that almost everyone interviewed in the book had a falling out with Zappa at some point, you have to wonder if they are just out to toot their own horns(play their own pianos, finger their own guitars, etc). For example, Don Preston seems to be the most delirious through out, with his delusions of grandeur including(but not limited to) sexual encounters lasting in the multiple hour range with multiple women at the same time, and inspiring John Coltrane's pioneering and exploratory style of Jazz. Seriously, guy, have some perspective. Probably the most illuminating aspect of the book is that it makes clear what divisions were drawn within the band itself: those who could read music vs. those who couldn't, those who wanted to make serious music vs. those who wanted to rock n roll & get chicks, those who were closer to Frank vs. those who just wanted to party and be one of the boys, those who were real Mothers vs. those who were just sessions players. While its probably not in the Zappa Family Trust Accepted Reading List(tm), its still a worthwhile read for the hardcore Zappaphile.

I have read the following books about Frank Zappa:

THE REAL FRANK ZAPPA BOOK by Frank Zappa and Peter Occhioigrosso

NECESSITY IS... THE EARLY YEARS OF FRANK ZAPPA AND THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION by Billy James

COSMIK DEBRIS: THE COLLECTIVE HISTORY AND IMPROVISATIONS OF FRANK ZAPPA by Greg Russo

NO COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: THE SAGA OF FRANK ZAPPA by David Walley

THEM OR US by Frank Zappa

UNDER THE SAME MOON by Suzannah (Thana Harris)

BEING FRANK: MY TIME WITH FRANK ZAPPA by Nigery Lennon

Of these, THE REAL FRANK ZAPPA BOOK and NECESSITY IS... are my favorites. Anyone who has read THE REAL FRANK ZAPPA BOOK will thoroughly enjoy NECESSITY IS... Two reasons:

First, Billy James is a good writer, but more importantly he is a good organizer. His task was to take historical events and present them in a coherent manner. He decided NOT to present this history in chronological order per se, but rather he addressed key events from different perspectives. The events are not necessarily in chronological order. It is an unusual way of organizing one's thoughts, but it works. He must be applauded for his creative way of organizing his thoughts.

Second, he examines each single historical event by getting perspectives of several people involved in the event. Its a fascinating excursion into the study of human behavior. In most cases, different people see the identical event in a contrary manner. In some cases, the conflicting descriptions are quite humorous.

Others who have harshly reviewed this book have missed the point. This is a book of perceptions. It is not an objective assessment of reality. It doesn't make any difference if the interviewees were frustrated or delirious. James provides a fresh perspective.

In addition, James answers some questions that cannot be found elsewhere. For example, I have often wondered how Zappa could include Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan (bubble gum singers from the Turtles) in the Mothers of Invention. In chapter six, James lays out all the events. An impressive job of pulling together quotes and ideas!

NECESSITY IS... THE EARLY YEARS OF FRANK ZAPPA AND THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION provides an important dimension into the understanding of this artist that none of the other books do. It is a critical addition to everyone's Frank Zappa library.

I've read many books on Zappa and found Necessity is.... to be a
great viewpoint from inside the band itself. So many other books have many stories and thoughts from the authors; many who have interviewed or maybe travelled a bit with FZ to learn more about the inside world, but this book is essentially taken from his bandmates and the stories that they have to tell from that early era of MOI. All of the other FZ books I've read were very good. Its just great to see what it was like for everyone else who worked for the great FZ.....

This book contains a pretty decent history of Zappa and the Mothers from 65 - 70. The anecdotal information is delivered by the guys who lived the experience, Preston, Black, Collins, Estrada, Gardener, and others who joined later. The actual history is a wee bit short and the writing style is somewhat... well, James clearly doesn't write books and wasn't educated to write books for a living, let's just put it that way. Still, it is and enjoyable, quick read.

An interesting read for all who want to learn about the early Mothers. Don't expect to understand the contradictions that are Frank Zappa after reading this. There probably isn't anything that could impart that kind of understanding.

This was a fairly entertaining read about the early years of Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. Overall this was a fun, quick read but it would probably only interest you if you were into Zappa.

 "Necessity is.....the early Years of Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention" by: Billy James (c) 2001

(Forward by Don Preston)

Published by: SAF Publishing Ltd. - Unit 7 Shaftsbury Centre 85 Barlby Rd - London W10 6BN

Necessity is... in their own humorous anecdotal remembrance, an insiders view of the original line up of The Mothers Of Invention composed of Roy Estrada, Bunk and Buzz Gardner, Motorhead, Ray Collins, Jimmy Carl Black ...and Don Preston, who can be reached at: ....

The significant difference, as compared to the many other MOI biopathies and memorics is that the infinitely covered life and times of Frank Zappa are herein represented largely in the background to the antic histrionics and talented virtuosity of the other Mothers. As die hard MOI fans we always knew that they were an ensemble of great musicians, but we werent exactly sure why. For those of us who weren't completely bamboozled by Franks talented ego, Necessity is... finally offers up a member by member biography of their musical foundations and pre-Mothers work which is notably diverse, and avant garde to say the least. For all that has been written about Frank Zappa and his diverse ensembles, this book is a necessity which factionally (versus fictionally) represents our Mothers like no other, including marvelous notes on MOI concert listings and the formation/continuation of The Grandmothers. If Frank is what you are looking for, see the present day composer who unfortunately died on December 4, 1993 of prostate cancer at ...

Billy James has actually written a decent book on Frank Zappa. Unlike most authors who have written on this subject, James refrains from blathering prose that seems to exist mainly to show readers how "literate" and "intellectual" they are. His book is mainly based on interviews that he conducted with members of the early Mothers, and in a style not unlike Stephen Ambrose, transcription excerpts from these interviews form the foundation of the book. I found this book engaging, readable, with only a few minor, forgiveable inaccuracies. Well done, Billy James